Before you begin. This procedure is general reference information, not professional advice. Equipment varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Always follow the documentation supplied with your equipment — where it differs from this page, follow the manufacturer. Verify that you have the tools, the working conditions, and the ability to do this task safely. If anything is unclear, if the equipment is damaged, or if the task exceeds your experience, stop and use a qualified professional. You are responsible for your own safety and for the outcome. This site accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this information.
Specifications marked unverified could not be traced to a manufacturer source. Do not rely on them — obtain the value from your equipment documentation.
Summary
This is one of the few filter jobs where the manufacturers really do publish a wash-and-reuse method, and they are unusually specific about it. Honda's owner's manual for the EU2200i says to clean the main and outer filters in warm soapy water or a nonflammable solvent, dry them, dip the element in clean engine oil and squeeze the excess out. Champion's operator's manual for the 201073 says almost the same thing for its foam element: wash in liquid detergent and water, squeeze dry in a clean cloth, saturate in clean engine oil, squeeze the excess out again. Both are foam. A pleated paper cartridge is a different part with a different method, and no source read for this page publishes a way to wash one.
So the page is really about the two decisions in front of the cleaning: which element you have, and which document is the authority for it. The company whose badge is on the generator is often not the company that made the engine, so there can be two manuals and two service schedules for one machine. The intervals are counted in engine hours rather than months, which is why the last step here is writing the hours down. We publish Honda's, Champion's and Generac's published intervals side by side, attributed to each, and we will not print a part number or an interval for your machine because those come off your own documentation.
Necessary equipment
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| The documentation for your generator | The documentation gives the element and the interval for your machine. |
| Screwdriver | Honda gives a cover screw and a maintenance cover screw on the EU2200i. |
| Clean cloth | Honda and Champion both tell you to squeeze the element in a clean cloth. |
| Container for the wash water | A container keeps the dirty water away from the machine. |
| Flashlight optional | The housing below the element is dark. |
| Camera optional | A photograph of the element in its position helps you at the end. |
| Liquid detergent material | Champion gives a mixture of liquid detergent and water for its foam element. |
| Fresh engine oil material | Honda and Champion give an oil for a foam element only. |
| New air filter element for your generator material | Generac tells you to replace an element that has damage. |
Identify the element and the interval
Estimated 15 min to 37 min
Source: Owner's Manual — GENERATOR EU2200i / EU2200i Companion (part 00X31-Z44-6130, 31Z44613) · tier 1 · accessed 2026-07-29
Source: Owner's Manual — GENERATOR EU2200i / EU2200i Companion (part 00X31-Z44-6130, 31Z44613) · tier 1 · accessed 2026-07-29
Source: Operator's Manual — Model #201073, 7000W Portable Generator (REV 20260121) · tier 1 · accessed 2026-07-29
Source: How Often Should I Perform Routine Maintenance on My Portable Generator? · tier 1 · accessed 2026-07-29
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
READ THE DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR GENERATOR FIRST.
A method for one element type can damage a different element type.
- Find the model number of the generator.3mReport a problem with step 1, Identify the element and the interval
- The number is on a data plate on the frame or on the panel.
- Write the number in your records before you order a part.
- Find the model number of the engine also.4mReport a problem with step 2, Identify the element and the interval
- The engine has its own label on the engine body.
- The engine manufacturer is frequently not the generator manufacturer.
- Two documents can apply to one machine.
- Get the element type for your engine from the documentation.4mReport a problem with step 3, Identify the element and the interval
- A foam element is soft and you can compress it.
- A paper element has pleats and you cannot compress it.
- Honda gives a main filter and an outer filter for the EU2200i.
- Get the service interval for your engine from the documentation.4mReport a problem with step 4, Identify the element and the interval
- Honda gives 3 months or 50 hours of operation for the EU2200i.
- Champion gives 50 hours of operation or one year for the 201073.
- Generac gives 200 hours of operation or one year for its portable generators.
- Each interval applies to that manufacturer's own machine only.
Make the generator safe
Estimated 8 min to 36 min
SET THE ENGINE SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION BEFORE YOU START THIS TASK.
The exhaust gas has carbon monoxide in it. Carbon monoxide can kill you.
- Set the engine switch to the OFF position.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Make the generator safe
- Wait until the engine stops.
- Honda tells you to make sure that the engine is off before maintenance.
- Disconnect each load from the generator.1mReport a problem with step 2, Make the generator safe
- Generac tells you to disconnect the loads before this task.
DISCONNECT THE LEAD FROM THE SPARK PLUG BEFORE YOU OPEN THE COVER.
The engine can start without warning and injure your hand.
- Disconnect the lead from the spark plug.1mReport a problem with step 3, Make the generator safe
- Champion tells you to remove the spark plug lead before all service.
- Champion also tells you to ground the lead.
- Move the lead away from the spark plug.
LET THE ENGINE AND THE MUFFLER BECOME COOL BEFORE YOU TOUCH THEM.
Honda gives this instruction. Hot parts can burn your skin.
- Let the engine and the muffler become cool.5mReport a problem with step 4, Make the generator safe
- Honda tells you to let the engine and the exhaust system become cool.
- The muffler stays hot for a long time after operation.
Open the air filter cover
Estimated 4 min to 12 min
- Find the air filter cover on the engine.2mReport a problem with step 1, Open the air filter cover
- Honda gives a maintenance cover in front of the air filter cover on the EU2200i.
- Champion gives a cover that snaps into position on the 201073.
- Clean the outer surface of the cover.2mReport a problem with step 2, Open the air filter cover
- Loose dirt on the cover can fall into the engine when the cover is open.
- Open the cover.2mReport a problem with step 3, Open the air filter cover
- Honda tells you to loosen the screw and to remove the cover on the EU2200i.
- Champion tells you to remove the cover that snaps into position on the 201073.
Examine the element
Estimated 7 min to 12 min
DO NOT LET DIRT FALL INTO THE OPENING BELOW THE ELEMENT.
Dirt that goes into the engine causes damage.
- Make a photograph of the element in its position.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Examine the element
- The photograph shows you the correct position of the element at the end.
- Honda gives two elements in the housing on the EU2200i.
- Remove the element from the housing.2mReport a problem with step 2, Examine the element
- Lift the element straight out of the housing.
- Remove the outer element and the main element if your engine has two.
- Examine the element for dirt and for damage.2mReport a problem with step 3, Examine the element
- Generac tells you to replace an element that has damage.
- Generac tells you to replace an element that is heavy with oil.
- Honda tells you to replace an element that has damage.
- Clean the housing and the cover with a moist rag.3mReport a problem with step 4, Examine the element
- Honda tells you to use a moist rag for this work.
- Do not let dirt go into the air duct below the element.
Clean a foam element
Estimated 26 min to 51 min
Source: Owner's Manual — GENERATOR EU2200i / EU2200i Companion (part 00X31-Z44-6130, 31Z44613) · tier 1 · accessed 2026-07-29
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
DO NOT USE GASOLINE TO CLEAN AN ELEMENT.
Honda gives a nonflammable solvent or warm soapy water. Gasoline can catch fire.
- Clean a foam element in warm water with liquid detergent.4mReport a problem with step 1, Clean a foam element
- Honda gives a nonflammable solvent or warm soapy water for the EU2200i.
- Champion gives a mixture of liquid detergent and water for the 201073.
- Rinse the foam element in clean water.2mReport a problem with step 2, Clean a foam element
- Honda tells you to rinse the element after the wash.
- Compress the foam element in a clean cloth.2mReport a problem with step 3, Clean a foam element
- Champion tells you to squeeze the element dry in a clean cloth.
- Do not twist the element. Honda gives this instruction.
- Let the foam element become dry.15mReport a problem with step 4, Clean a foam element
- Honda tells you to let the element dry fully before the next step.
DO NOT PUT OIL ON A PAPER ELEMENT.
Honda and Champion give an oil for a foam element only.
- Put the clean engine oil on the dry foam element.2mReport a problem with step 5, Clean a foam element
- Honda tells you to dip the element in clean engine oil.
- Champion tells you to saturate the element in clean engine oil.
REMOVE THE EXTRA OIL FROM THE FOAM ELEMENT.
Honda states that the engine makes smoke with too much oil in the element.
- Remove the extra oil from the foam element with a clean cloth.2mReport a problem with step 6, Clean a foam element
- Honda tells you to squeeze all the extra oil out of the element.
- Champion tells you to use a clean absorbent cloth for this step.
Install the element
Estimated 5 min to 12 min
DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE WITHOUT THE ELEMENT.
Honda states that dirt then goes into the engine and causes damage.
- Install the element in the housing.2mReport a problem with step 1, Install the element
- Compare the position with your photograph.
- Install the main element and then the outer element if your engine has two.
- Make sure that the seal is in the groove of the cover.1mReport a problem with step 2, Install the element
- Honda gives a rubber seal in a groove in the cover of the EU2200i.
- A seal that is out of its groove lets dirt into the engine.
- Install the cover.2mReport a problem with step 3, Install the element
- Tighten the screw of the cover.
- Honda tells you to tighten the screw of the cover on the EU2200i.
- Champion tells you to attach the cover and to push it into position.
- Examine the edge of the cover for a gap.<1mReport a problem with step 4, Install the element
- A gap at the edge of the cover lets dirt into the engine.
Record the hours of operation
Estimated 2 min to 4 min
- Connect the lead to the spark plug.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Record the hours of operation
- Write the date and the hours of operation in your records.2mReport a problem with step 2, Record the hours of operation
- The intervals for this task are in hours of operation and not in months only.
- A generator has no hour counter on many models.
Terminology
This page uses one term for each item and holds it throughout, as ASD-STE100 requires. Equipment sellers and other guides use the names below for the same parts.
- air filter element
- Also called: air filter, generator air filter, genny air filter, air cleaner element, engine filter, the sponge in the generator, the foam thing in the generator
- foam element
- Also called: foam filter, sponge filter, oiled foam filter, the sponge, spongy air filter
- paper element
- Also called: paper filter, pleated filter, cartridge filter, the pleated one, cardboard filter
- air filter cover
- Also called: air cleaner cover, filter housing cover, the black plastic box on the engine, filter lid
- portable generator
- Also called: generator, genny, gennie, gas generator, backup generator, storm generator, inverter generator
- hours of operation
- Also called: engine hours, run hours, running hours, hours on the clock, service hours
When to use a professional
Stop if your element is paper and not foam. No source on this page gives a method to wash a paper element. Read the documentation for your engine, or speak to a service dealer.
Stop if the element is heavy with oil when you remove it. Generac tells you to replace such an element. Engine oil in the element is also a sign of a different fault. A dealer must find that fault.
Stop if the housing has a crack, or if the cover does not close fully. The housing must seal fully. A dealer must replace a housing that has damage.
Stop if black smoke comes from the engine after this task. This page gives no engine diagnosis. Speak to a service dealer.
Do not disassemble the carburetor. Do not adjust the governor. Champion states that work on the governor cancels the warranty. This page ends at the air filter housing.
Speak to a licensed electrician about a connection between a generator and the wiring of a building. This page does not give that work.
Common questions
Can I actually wash a generator air filter and reuse it?
If it is foam, yes, and this is one of the rare cases where the manufacturers publish the method themselves rather than leaving it to the internet. Honda's EU2200i owner's manual gives warm soapy water or a nonflammable solvent, then a dip in clean engine oil with the excess squeezed out. Champion's 201073 operator's manual gives liquid detergent and water, squeezed dry in a clean cloth, then saturated in clean engine oil and squeezed again. Generac's own article gives the same shape for its portable machines: unscrew and remove the cover and filter, clean the filter with soapy water, squeeze with a clean cloth and keep it flat to dry. If your element is a pleated paper cartridge, none of these apply and we found no manufacturer document that publishes a way to wash one.
How often should I clean the air filter on my generator?
It depends on the machine, and the published numbers are further apart than you might expect. Honda's EU2200i schedule says check the air filters before each use and clean them every 3 months or 50 hours, whichever comes first, more often in dusty areas. Champion's 201073 schedule says clean the air filter every 50 hours or annually. Generac says clean or replace the air filters every 200 hours or annually, and inspect more often in dirty or dusty conditions. Those are three manufacturers' schedules for three different machines, not a disagreement about one machine, so we publish all three and attribute each. Yours is in your own manual.
Why do I need to oil a generator air filter at all?
Because on a foam element the oil is the filter. Dry foam has holes big enough for fine dust to walk through; the film of oil is what makes the dust stick. That is why both Honda and Champion tell you to saturate the element and then squeeze the excess out rather than leaving it dry or leaving it dripping. Honda is explicit about the other end of the mistake too: the engine will smoke when started if too much oil is left in the filters. A pleated paper cartridge works on a completely different principle and gets no oil.
My generator is running rough and smoking. Is it the air filter?
It can be, and it is one of the cheapest things to rule out. Generac lists running or idling rough, black smoke from the exhaust and heavy gasoline consumption as signs of a dirty air filter, and Champion's troubleshooting table names a dirty air filter as a cause both of an engine that runs roughly and of a generator that will not make full power. But a dirty filter is not the only cause of any of those, and this page does not diagnose engines. Clean or replace the element, then if the symptom is still there, stop and speak to a service dealer rather than working further into the engine.
The generator says Champion but the engine says something else. Which manual do I follow?
Follow the one that covers the part you are touching, which for an air filter is the engine's documentation if the engine is a separate brand. Plenty of portable generators pair one company's alternator and frame with another company's engine, so there can genuinely be two books and two service schedules for one machine. This is why the first two steps here are writing down the generator model number and the engine model number before anything else. If the two documents disagree about your machine, do not average them — ask the dealer for the machine, and use whichever document names your engine model.
Do I really have to pull the spark plug wire off just to clean a filter?
Yes. Champion's manual states it plainly for all servicing: remove and ground the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Honda's maintenance safety section makes the same point differently, listing carbon monoxide poisoning, burns from hot parts and injury from moving parts as the hazards that being sure the engine is off removes at once. A small petrol engine needs no key and no battery to fire. It costs a few seconds and it is the only thing between your hand and an engine that decides to turn over.
Can I use petrol or brake cleaner to wash the element?
No. Honda's instruction is a nonflammable solvent, and it says in as many words: not gasoline. That is a fire and explosion warning, not a housekeeping preference, and it is the one line on this subject we would not soften for anybody. Warm soapy water is the method both Honda and Champion publish first, and it is the one to use. We are not naming any other solvent, because we did not find one named in a manufacturer document.
How do I know how many hours my generator has run?
On many portable machines you do not, because there is no hour counter fitted. That is exactly why every one of these schedules is written in engine hours and why the last step on this page is to write down the date and the running hours yourself. A note in your phone or a card taped inside the storage cover is enough. Without it, the honest answer to "is the filter due?" is a guess, and a guess in the dusty direction costs an engine.
Related procedures
- How to find and record the model and serial number of every appliance in the house
- How to clean or change the air filter on a lawn mower
- How far from the house should a generator be, and which way should the exhaust point?
- How to change the engine air filter in your car
- My vacuum has lost suction — can I just wash the filter?
- How to get the house ready for a storm and a power outage
- What size generator do I need, and how do I work out running watts and starting watts for the things I want to power?
- Choose an extension cord for a portable generator
Sources
Every specification on this page is traced to one of these sources. Tier 1 is a manufacturer document, a published standard, or a government safety authority. See Standards for the full tiering rule.
- Tier 1Owner's Manual — GENERATOR EU2200i / EU2200i Companion (part 00X31-Z44-6130, 31Z44613)
- Tier 1Operator's Manual — Model #201073, 7000W Portable Generator (REV 20260121)
- Tier 1How do I inspect and clean my portable generator's air filter?
- Tier 1How Often Should I Perform Routine Maintenance on My Portable Generator?
- Tier 1How Do I Maintain My Generac Portable Generator?
- Tier 1Portable Generator Parts & Maintenance Tips
- Tier 1Generator Safety
Revision history
Current version 1 · updated 2026-07-29 · next review due 2027-07-29
- v1 · 2026-07-29First draft. Sourced to the Honda EU2200i / EU2200i Companion owner's manual (00X31-Z44-6130, read 2026-07-29), the Champion 201073 operator's manual (REV 20260121, read 2026-07-29) and three Generac Help Center articles. The Honda maintenance schedule is a grid of marks rather than prose, so the cleaning interval was read from the position of the mark in the table rather than inferred: the mark for 'Air cleaner — Clean' sits in the 'Every 3 months or 50 Hrs' column, and 'Air cleaner — Check' sits in the 'Each use' column, which the manual's own quick-reference page corroborates ('Before each use: Check air filters'). Three manufacturers publish three intervals for three different machines; they are published side by side and attributed, and no conflict_note is set because different products are not a disagreement. Nothing is averaged. The part number, the interval for the reader's own machine, the oil quantity and any washing method for a paper element publish as consult-the-documentation with verified false. The verified specifications carry no spec_key because data/specs.json is written centrally after the merge; the registry entries must be added there before this record can clear check 2 cleanly. Sources are staged in data/sources-additions-service-a-generator-air-filter.json because a delegate may not write data/sources.json, so the record holds on check 3 until they are admitted.
Corrections to this page are listed in the public corrections log. Reports that are credible and not yet verified are listed in the public errata register, and an open one renders above the step it concerns.
Comments and corrections
Found an error? A correction with a manufacturer source is applied and logged publicly. You can also write to corrections@fixchecklist.com.
Every step above carries its own report control, which tags the report with that step so a correction reaches the right place. For anything about the procedure as a whole — the order of the sections, a step that is missing, something that did not match your equipment — use this: report something about this whole procedure.